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Article: Pneumococcal vaccine: underuse cannot be justified.
- Article from:
- Nursing Homes
- Article date:
- October 1, 1998
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1998 Vendome Group LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The pneumococcal vaccines are underutilized in the elderly population, with only 35% of them receiving the vaccine (and even fewer in younger populations with underlying conditions making them susceptible to pneumonia). Why are these percentages so low? It is a matter of opinion, but I think three important factors are involved.
First, I don't believe that pneumococcal vaccine is as effectively promoted to the public as some other vaccines. Second, although internists are aware of the vaccine, they are generally less motivated to provide the preventive care represented by vaccination.
A third factor has been conflicting reports about the effectiveness of the ...